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Namibian Govt Urges Adherence To Mourning Protocol For Nujoma

The government has relaxed some of the strict measures it put in place to mourn the passing of the respected former president Sam Nujuma, although a spokesperson said all government events of a "commemorative or celebratory nature" remain suspended. 

Sporting activities will be allowed for "preparatory purposes" and without spectators, while organizers of private events that were "pre-planned" are urged to adhere to behaviour that is "consistent with mourning" as any gathering "deemed disrespectful" will be banned.  

Sam Nujoma, the activist and guerrilla leader who became Namibia's first democratically elected president after the country gained independence from apartheid South Africa died on Saturday February 9 at the age of 95.

Nujoma, who played a pivotal role in founding Namibia's liberation movement, the South West Peoples' Organisation (Swapo), in the 1960s, led the prolonged struggle for independence, which was achieved in 1990. He then served as president from 1990 until 2005, guiding the nation through its formative years. Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba expressed "utmost sorrow and sadness" in a statement, revealing that Nujoma had been hospitalized for the past three weeks with an illness from which he "could not recover." 

African leaders, including African Union Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, praised him as "the epitome of courage," unwavering in his vision for a free Namibia and a unified Africa. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed Nujoma as an "extraordinary freedom fighter" who not only led Namibia's fight against colonialism but also contributed significantly to ending white-minority rule in South Africa in 1994. Kenya's President William Ruto described him as a "visionary leader" who dedicated his life to the liberation and development of his country.

New Era

Former Namibian president Samuel Nujoma.

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